A BUSINESSMAN from Port Seton will stand as a candidate for the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party in the upcoming Preston, Seton and Gosford council ward by-election in January.

Andy Ovens, 49, lives with his wife and two teenage sons and is “absolutely delighted” to have been chosen to stand for the election next year.

The former Cockenzie Primary School and Preston Lodge High School pupil said he was looking forward to speaking to voters to discuss issues of importance ahead of the January 20 poll.

He has run his financial advisory company, Gosford Financial Services Ltd, since 2010.

Andy added that he was acutely aware of the challenges facing local people on a day-to-day basis and had already raised issues surrounding concerns over access to health services.

He continued: “I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to stand in this by-election for the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

“This is the area I am proud to call home and it would be a real honour to represent the communities of the Preston, Seton and Gosford ward on East Lothian Council.

“I am looking forward to getting out and about over the next few weeks and listening to the issues that are of concern to those living here.

“Running a business in the village has given me the experience of knowing the challenges residents across and communities across Preston, Seton and Gosford are facing on a day-to-day basis and I want to take that experience and be a strong local voice for them on the council.”

Candidates announced so far for the by-election - triggered by the death of council leader Willie Innes - are Calum Miller (independent), Tim Porteus (Scottish Greens) and Colin Yorkston (Labour).